Tubular, nectar-heavy native flowers that draw hummingbirds far more reliably — and safely — than any sugar-water feeder. Every species here is genuinely native to New Hampshire and the wider flora of the Northeast and hardy through zones 3–6 — proven performers for New Hampshire's cool, humid continental climate across White Mountains & northern hardwoods, not a generic list. Local standouts include Great Blue Lobelia and Buttonbush. Hummingbirds are wired to investigate red and orange tubular flowers, so a few well-placed natives will out-pull a feeder and never need cleaning. Stagger bloom times so there is nectar from spring migration through fall departure, and plant near a perch or shrub where the birds can rest between feedings.
Each one native to your region and hardy in zones 3–6 · see this collection in other states.
Lobelia siphilitica
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, hummingbird fuel — slender deep blue tubes too deep for most insects in Aug and Sep, reaching 2–3 ft.
Cephalanthus occidentalis
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a nectar stop hummingbirds return to, its white flowers carried from Jun to Aug, 5–10 ft tall.
Monarda didyma
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, hummingbirds work its scarlet red flowers in Jul and Aug; for clay and loam ground.
Phlox divaricata
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a magnet for hummingbirds — lavender-blue blooms held in Apr and May for them to probe; hardy in zones 3–8.
Lonicera sempervirens
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, draws hummingbirds with coral-red nectar tubes from Apr to Sep — spreading 3–6 ft.
Dicentra eximia
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a hummingbird flower — rose pink tubular blooms from Apr to Aug, hardy in zones 3–8.
Penstemon digitalis
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a magnet for hummingbirds — white blooms held in May and Jun for them to probe — good through zone 8.
Monarda fistulosa
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a nectar stop hummingbirds return to, its lavender flowers carried from Jun to Aug, 2–4 ft tall.
Lobelia cardinalis
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, draws hummingbirds with electric scarlet nectar tubes from Jul to Sep, 2–4 ft tall.
Mertensia virginica
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, hummingbird fuel — slender sky blue tubes too deep for most insects from Mar to May, cold-hardy to zone 3.
Physostegia virginiana
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a magnet for hummingbirds — pink blooms held in Aug and Sep for them to probe — 2–4 ft wide.
Agastache foeniculum
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, a magnet for hummingbirds — lavender-blue blooms held from Jun to Sep for them to probe; good through zone 9.
Aquilegia canadensis
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, hummingbirds work its red flowers from Apr to Jun — for rocky and loam ground.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, built for hummingbirds, with pink-white nectar tubes borne in Apr and May, happy in sand and rocky soil.
Ceanothus americanus
For New Hampshire gardens in the White Mountains & northern hardwoods, hummingbirds work its frothy white flowers from May to Jul — happy in sand, rocky, and loam soil.
Seed packets, plugs, and starter plants for many of these species ship to your door.
Browse on AmazonSome links here are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The surest source of locally-adapted stock is a native-plant nursery or a native plant society sale in your area.